What to Consider when Relocating to Orlando

Approximately 1500 people relocate to Orlando every week. The theme parks and hospitality are a big draw to the area, but they only make up about 20% of the jobs. The other 80% comes from diverse industries, such as construction, IT, healthcare and education. With Orlando International Airport being one of the busiest in the US, the greater Orlando area continues to grow, and with that comes more job opportunities.

What to Expect When Moving to Orlando?

Based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2015 to 2018, Orlando ranked #1 for job growth in the US. With more jobs open than candidates to fill them, people relocating is a big way companies fill those positions. However, hiring managers see some risk in a candidate who isn’t local. If you live out of state, you may run into some hurdles you wouldn’t encounter if you already lived in Orlando.

Is Orlando Right for You?

The parks and attractions catapulted Orlando’s development, but you will find there is much more to the city. The population in Orlando city limits is only about 240,000. About 100 cities and towns throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties make up the greater Orlando area. Odds are you will not live in Orlando but a suburb with its own DNA and culture.

The cost of living in Orlando is one of the lowest in the country, with that comes lower wages. Due to no state income taxes and other factors, the lower wage will come out comparable to what you were making somewhere else in the US. Ensure you’re prepared for a change in your pay. Here is just one of many cost of living calculators.

Public transportation is a hot topic in the region. There are talks of expanding the Sunrail, our commuter train, and other means of getting around, but nothing is in the works. The average commute in Orlando is close to 30 minutes each way, with the vast majority of people driving to and from work.

The Orlando Economic Partnership is just one company of many with resources to decide if Orlando is the right place for you.

How to Overcome Objections from Hiring Managers

Once you’ve decided Orlando is right for you, hiring managers and companies want to ensure they find the best candidate who will stay with the company. Replacing a candidate can cost thousands of dollars to recruit, train and retain. Decision makers want to know you’re set on Orlando and will be here to stay.

1. To help set yourself up for success, research the Orlando suburbs and the culture. Orlando has a vastly different culture than Miami, Tampa or the panhandle. Hiring managers want to know you’re attracted to Orlando and not just somewhere in Florida.
2. Develop a timeline for relocating to Orlando. Are you targeting next week, one month or when you get a job? Some positions need someone to start quickly, but many candidates from other towns or states often ask for additional time to relocate. Hiring managers need someone in the position, whether it’s a local candidate or not. The quicker you’re able to move to Orlando once you have a job offer, the more opportunities you will be considered for. Having a timeline will also show the hiring manager you’re committed to Orlando.
3. Research the schools and neighborhoods. An employee from out of the Orlando market can be seen as a flight risk, especially if family is relocating also. Depending on what your family wants, different schools will help your children adjust better. Additionally, Orlando is a big city until you get involved. Finding a neighborhood and groups to join will help Orlando feel like home. Knowing where your family will fit in best will ease a hiring manager’s concerns of you leaving the company to move back to Indiana.
4. Have availability for virtual interviews and prepare for in-person interviews. Not living local makes the interview process complicated. While many hiring managers are comfortable opting for virtual interviews via FaceTime, Skype or Zoom, nothing matches seeing your potential desk, meeting your coworkers and feeling the vibe of the office. It is not uncommon for a hiring manager to want to make a decision by the end of the week. If they want you to come in for an in-person interview, booking a flight to Orlando last minute can be pricey, $500 or more. Since there are local candidates to consider, it’s a lot to ask a candidate to pay for a flight for a job they may not get. Think through if that is a risk you’re willing to take.
5. Be committed to the company. Companies are adjusting their normal interview process, pushing out the start date and choosing a riskier option when they select someone from out-of-town. If you’re interviewing with a manufacturing company, steer away from mentioning how you always wanted to work for the parks and hospitality. It may seem that you’re trying to get any job to move to Orlando so you can have a better shot at working at the large entertainment companies. Of course, if you’re interviewing in the entertainment/hospitality industry, talk about your passion for it!

How to Make the Transition Easier

• Explain your commitment to Orlando and the company to eliminate doubts from the hiring manager.
• Work backwards from your ideal start date to calculate time to give notice at your current position and travel time to move to Orlando. Explain your relocation and start date on your resume.
• Once you’ve decided what town fits best with your family, put that location on your resume.
• Be confident and direct, but polite, about your plans and how Orlando will help you achieve your career goals.
• Use a staffing firm. Once we understand your motivation and skills, we can explain it to hiring managers to help your out-of-state resume get a good shot at a position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelsey Maurer, Recruiter